Better Noise Music rock band ISLANDER just dropped the official music video for their recently released single “What Do You Gotta Lose?,” a hopeful anthem about finding light and moving forward. The visual was directed by Nathan Mowery of Kid Punk.
Of the visual, Islander lead singer Mikey Carvajal says, “Filming the music video for ‘What Do You Gotta Lose?’ was an exhausting experience – physically and emotionally. We filmed it in a small church building in Georgia. The air conditioners weren’t working, so every few shots we all had to walk outside to get some air. In the video, I play a version of myself where I come back to life at my own funeral. I’m there to remind everyone to “seize the day” (yes, that’s a ‘Dead Poets Society’ reference.) It was really important for us to approach the concept of death in a way that was relatable, while also finding a bit of joy in the celebration of life. I believe this world isn’t our ‘forever home.’ However, while we are here we need to do the next thing that is in front of us. This song is a plea for anyone thinking about suicide to hold on. It’s not always easy being alive, but it’s worth it. Joy comes in the morning.”
Earlier this year, Islander further set the tone for their vulnerable music path, calling for empathy and connecting with their ever-growing global fanbase with the release of their deeply personal song “The Outsider”. It’s a tribute to why the band gravitated towards rock music in the first place and a reminder to let anyone feeling like an outcast know that they have a place in the community of listeners that the group has formed. They’re currently creating more music to release, solidifying their unique ability to offer meditative art in the craziness of the world.
ABOUT ISLANDER
Islander understands that complacency is the deadly enemy of progress. The South Carolina band — Mikey Carvajal, Chris Carvajal, and Erik Shea — refuses to grow stagnant with time by challenging themselves to evolve continually. No two singles are alike, yet the group finds a way to make the combination of their vast influences work together in a manner unlike anyone else. You cannot call what Islander does rock or rap or even nu-metal. They make music that moves people, plain and simple, and that’s all they want to do.
“We’re a very intimate band in that I want to be there and hear people’s stories,” says Mikey Carvajal. I’m not in this to be a rockstar. If that were ever the case, and it were about money or fame, I just wouldn’t do it. I’m only here because I genuinely love people, and I want to see them do good in their lives. I want us to continue to spread love, hopefully on a higher level than before.”
Now a decade into a career built with that mission in mind, Islander continues to grow a global fanbase. The band writes from a place of love and empathy channeled into raucous music that can incite mosh pits and comfort those who feel alone. It’s a delicate balance between chaos and focused effort that only Islander can perfect, and it’s because of that combination that the group remains one of the most versatile names in entertainment today.
“If you speak about real things, they will remain relevant,” says Carvajal. “We all have skin and bones and blood. We’re all human beings trying to make it in this world. The most important thing is being there for people, and our music allows us to do that.”
Islander heads into the new year with high hopes and a bevy of material. Four years of writing and recording has given the band their most diverse and collaborative music to date. From the rallying cries of “Freedom” to the meditative flow of “Crazy Crazy World” and beyond, Islander is creating a space for listeners to process the madness of today and find hope for a better tomorrow.
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